Lauder – Scotland’s Kilted King of Broadway is an intimate music-theatre production celebrating the extraordinary life, music and legacy of Sir Harry Lauder, one of Scotland’s most internationally successful entertainers and one of the world’s first global entertainment superstars.
Known for songs including I Love a Lassie, Roamin’ in the Gloamin’ and Keep Right on to the End of the Road, Lauder rose from the Scottish music halls to become the highest-paid performer in the world, conquering stages in Britain, America and beyond.
But Lauder looks beyond the familiar image and songs to reveal the man behind the famous persona: a performer of extraordinary ambition and ingenuity, an entrepreneur, entertainer and philanthropist whose remarkable life encompassed international fame, family, patriotism, personal tragedy and an extraordinary commitment to helping others.
Performed by tenor Jamie MacDougall with live piano, Lauder combines storytelling, characterisation, song, Scots language and the direct audience relationship of the music hall. It is a theatrical experience that is intimate, humorous and moving, bringing a remarkable Scottish story to life without requiring a large-scale production.
The production has been presented extensively across Scotland, including at festivals and smaller-scale venues, and has also travelled internationally. Most recently, Lauder enjoyed a successful engagement at 59E59 Theaters in New York as part of the Brits Off Broadway Festival, demonstrating that the story can connect with audiences far beyond those already familiar with Harry Lauder.
The production is particularly well suited to theatres, arts centres, festivals and smaller performance spaces, and its modest technical requirements make it adaptable to a wide range of venues. It offers programmers the opportunity to present a distinctive piece of Scottish music-theatre that combines live music, theatrical storytelling and cultural heritage.
For 2027, Lauder is seeking touring opportunities across Scotland, with a particular interest in rural, remote and island communities, as well as established theatre and festival programmes.
“I didn’t enjoy it… I loved it!” — audience member, Helensburgh
“Heading home beaming after a wonderful evening seeing Jamie MacDougall’s tour de force as Sir Harry Lauder.” — audience member, Portobello Town Hall
